Traffic regulating system and mechanism therefor



July 9, 1935. w. L, JAMES TRAFFIC REG-ULATING SYSTEM AND MECHANISM THEREFOR F'}led Feb. 1, 1932 ll Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. WILLIRM L. JnMEs.

ATTORNEY.

'July 9, 1935. w JAMES 2,007,248

TRAFFIC REGULATING SYSTEM AND MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed Feb. 1, 1952 11 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTQR. WILLIRM L L/RMES- ATTORNEY.

N N BY July 9, 1935. 2,007,248

TRAFFIC REGULATING SYSTEM AND MECHANISM THEREFOR w. L. JAMES INVENTOR.

WILL/RM LJJAMES.

ATTOREY.

July 9, 1935. w. L. JAMES 2,007,248

TRAFFIC REGULATING SYSTEM AND MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed Feb. 1, 1952 11 Sheets-Sheet! INVENTOR. WILL/HM L,. (/HMES- ATTORNEY.

Jufiy 9, 1935. r w, JAMES 2,007,248

TRAFFIC REG-ULATING SYSTEM AND MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed Feb. 1, 1932 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR/ WILLIAM L. JHMEs.

ATTORNEY.

Jul 9, 1935. w, L, AME 2,007,248

TRAFFIC REG-ULAT ING SYSTEM AND MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed Feb. 1, 1932 11 Sheets-Sheet 6 TETEElU INVENTOR. WILL/AM L JHMEs.

ATTORNEY.

July 9, 1935. w. L. JAMES 2,007,248"

TRAFFIC REGULATING SYSTEM AND MECHANISM THEREFOR INVENTOR. WILLIAM L L/FIMES July 9, 1935. w JAMES 2,007,248

TRAFFIC REG'ULATING SYSTEM AND MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed Feb. 1, 1932 ll Sheets-Sheet 8 I 225 m FEQLE:

20- 4 W [222. Wyz

z Fi-gai 4 x 2% Q lmifififiwh 44 wk INVENT WILLIHM L.- JR 5,

w. L. JAMES 2,007,248

TRAFFIC REG'ULATING SYSTEM AND MECHANISM THEREFOR July 9, 1935.

Filed Feb.

11 Sheets-Sheet 9 INVENTOR. WILLIAM L a (JR/WES,

ATTORNEY. v

uly 9, 1935. 2,007,248

SYSTEM AND MECHANISM THEREFOR W. L. JAMES TRAFFIC REQULATING Filed Feb. 1,

1932 ll Sheets-Sheet 10 INVENTOR. MLL/FIM L. JHMEs ATTORN Y.

Patented July 9, 1935 PATENT OFFICE? TRAFFIC REGULATING SYSTEM AND MECHANISM THEREFOR William L. James, Long Beach, Calif. Application February 1, 1932, Serial No. 590,119

3 Claims.

This invention relates to traffic regulation systems and mechanism therefor.

:The general object ofthe invention is to provide an improved signal device.

A more specific object of my invention is to provide a novel vehicle operated trafic signal.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel mechanism for actuation of vehicle signals.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a novel vehicle actuated signal mechanism.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel signal control mechanism wherein novel means is provided for changing the length of time of operation of the signal.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a street intersection showing two of my improved traffic'regu- Iating devices operatively installed.

Fig. 2 is a horizontal section through a control box showing a top plan view of my improved control mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a section taken on line 33 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4. is a fragmentary section taken on line 44 of Fig. 2, showing a side elevation of my improved control mechanism with parts thereof in section.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on line 5--5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 isa section taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 'Zis a fragmentary view of the yoke used oppositethe one shown in Fig. 6 showing the release cam and latch mechanism associated therewith.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 6 showing the parts thereof in a different position.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary section taken on line 9-B of Fig. 5.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary section taken on line Ill-l0 of Fig. 5 with parts broken away to more clearly show various elements.

Fig. 11 is a detail of one of the members shown in Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary section taken on line 12-12 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary view of one of the yoke members showing the gear plunger latch mechanism in a different position from that shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 14 is a section taken on line I4l4 of Fig. 13.

I Fig. 15 is a section taken on line l5-l 5 of Fig. 5.

shown in Fig. 15, showing it in the same position as the device shown in Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view across a street showing my improved vehicle operated switch mechanism. a

Fig. 19 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section showing the switch operating device.

Fig. 20 is a section taken on line 2020 of the device shown in Fig. 18.

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary end view of the device shown in Fig. 19. 1

Fig. 22 is an enlarged fragmentary section through the street switch.

Fig. 23 is a section taken on line 23-43 of Fig. 22.

Fig. 24. is a diagrammatic view showing thewiring arra ngement of my improved trafficregulating system, and

Fig. 25 is an across-the-line diagram.

My improved trafiic regulating system may be used in many ways to meet local requirements and as an example of one. use I illustrate it as comprising traffic signals 10 which control traffic in the direction indicated at A, similar signals I2 for controlling traffic in another direction indicated at B, and vehicle operated street switches 13 which are operated by vehicles traveling in the direction controlled by the signals I0 and-similar street switches 14 which areoperated by vehicles traveling in the directions controlled by the signals IZ. The control device for thesystem is shown aspositioned in a housing l5 which is mounted on the post l5 of one of the traffic signals Ill.

As shown the signals it) each include a green light I6, a red light ll and a bell, buzzer, or other audible signal l8, and the signals 12 each including a green light H), a red light 20 and a bell, buzzer, or other audible signal 2|.

My system further includes pedestrian operated switches 22 which are adapted to be actuated by pedestrians desiring to travel in the A direction and similar switches 23 which are adapted to be actuated by pedestrians desiring to travel in the B direction.

The control mechanism which is positioned in the housing I5 is indicated generally at 25 and includes abase 26 which is secured to abracket 27 secured to the housing [5. The base 26 includes a pair of spaced upright legs 28 having bearing portions .29 in which anti-friction bearing members 38 are positioned and which support a shaft 3|. Positioned intermediatethe legs 28 and at one side of the shaft 3| the base is provided with an upright member 32 which supports a platform 33 spaced above the shaft 3|.

Secured adjacent one end of the shaft 3| I provide a gear 34 which meshes with a gear 35 which is secured to a shaft 35 of a gear reduction electric motor unit 3?. Secured to the shaft 3| in spaced relation I provide a gear 38 and a gear 39. Thus it will be apparent that when the motor unit 3! operates the gear 35 will rotate the gear 34 which will in turn rotate the shaft SI and the shaft will rotate the gears 38 and 39.

Mounted loosely on the shaft 35 on one side of the upright member 32 I provide a yoke member 48 which straddles the gear 38 and mounted loosely on the shaft 3| on the opposite side of the upright member 32 I provide a similar yoke member 42 which straddles the gear 39.

As the structural details of both the yoke members 40 and 42 are the same I will describe but one of them. As shown the yoke member it includes a body portion 43 having a pair of legs 44 spaced one on each side ofthe gear 38, which terminate in bearing portions 35 in which antifriction bearing members 45 mounted on the shaft 3| are positioned (see Fig. 4). Surrounding the shaft 3| between adjacent bearing pori tions 45 of the yokes 48 and d2 I provide a spacing sleeve 57.

For resiliently urging the yokes to swing about the axis of the shaft 3| in a direction away from the upright member 32 I provide spring mem- 0.) bers 48 which are shown as being coiled around the sleeve Hand having one end anchored to the upright member as at 45 and having their other ends secured to a leg 44 of their associated yoke members as at 5B.

- One of the bearing portions G5 of each of the yoke members includes an extension leg 5| hav ing a weighted member 52 thereon which approximately counterweights the weight of the body portion 43 and its associated parts.

For limiting the downward movement of the yokes I provide for each yoke a stop block 53 (see Figs. 3, 4 and 16). Ihe block 53 is preferably made of fiber and is mounted on a plate 54 which has pins 55 secured thereto which pass through apertures 56 in a plate 51. Surrounding the pins 55 between the plates 54 and 51 I provide coiled springs 58 which urge the plate 54 away from the plate 51 and for limiting the movement of the plate 55 away from the plate 5? I secure collars 58 on the pins 55.

The plates 51 are mounted on arcuately shaped bars 68 which are mounted in arcuate slots 6| in blocks 62 which are shown as integral with the base 26. For retaining the bars in adjusted positions I provide a set screw 53 in each of the blocks 62.

For limiting the movement of the yokes as they move upward I provide for each of the yokes a member indicated generally at 84 (see Figs. 2, 3, 6. and 15). As shown each-of the members 64 includes a body portion 85 which is secured to an arm 66 by a screw 51. The arm El includes a bearing portion 88 which is loosely mounted on the shaft 3| between the bearing portions 29 of the legs 28 the adjacent bearing portion 55 of the" yoke with which it is associated. The arm 66' "extehdsbelow the shaft 3| where it includes an arcuate portion 69 having therein an arcuate elongated aperture 78 (see Fig. 3). Each ofthe' legs are provided with a boss H with which the portions 69 of the arms 66 have sliding engagement. For retaining the arms in an adjusted position I provide in the legs 28 a bolt '13, the shank of which passes through the aperture of the arm 66 and has a washer and nut 14 positioned thereon for clamping the portion 58 of the arm 65 to the boss H (see Figs. 3 and 4) The body 84 supports a tubular member 75 which is closed at one end and has mounted therein a tubular member 76 which is closed at the end opposite the member 15. Positioned in the tubular members 15 and 76 I provide a coiled spring ll which bears against the closed end of each of the members and resiliently urges the member 16 away from the member 75. For restricting the outward movement of the member '18 I secure to the closed end thereof a rod 18 which extends through the coiled spring and out through an aperture in the closed end of the member '15 where a collar 79 is secured thereto.

For retaining the yokes in a raised position I provide on the body 43 of each yoke a bar 88 which includes a portion having a beveled face 82 and a straight face 83 which is adapted to be engaged by a latch member 84 (see Figs. 5, 6, 8 and 13) Ihe latch member 84 is pivotally secured to a bolt 85 positioned inan aperture 85 in the platform 33 and includes an enlarged head 8"! which is positioned in a recess 38 in the platform 33 (see Figs. 5, 6, 8 and 13). Secured to the platform 33 over the recess 88 and coaxial therewith I provide an electro-magnetic member 98. The head 87 of the bolt 8-5 is adapted to act as an armature so that when the magnet 98 is energized the head will be attracted to the magnet raising the bolt 85 with it and thereby moving the latch 84 out of engagement with the bar 80 whereupon, if the other yoke is in a raised position, the spring 48 will swing the yoke downward to the stop block 53.

For resiliently urging the bolt downwardly I provide a coiled spring 90 which is positioned in the recess 89 between the magnet and a portion of the head 87.

On the upward travel of the yoke when the bolt 85 is down the beveled surface 82 of the bar 80 engages the beveled surface of the latch member 84 and swings it about its pivotal point and passes thereunder whereafter the latch member 84 again swings down and thereafter prevents downward movement of the yoke until the magnet 96 is again energized.

To prevent the release of one yoke before the other yoke has returned to a latched position I provide rods 9| and 92 which are rotatably mounted in bearings 93 supported by the upright member 32 (see Fig. 5)

At one end of the rod 9| I provide an angularly bent finger portion 94 while at the opposite end I provide a similar finger 94", and on the rod 92 I provide similar finger portions 95 and 95. Surrounding the rod 5| I provide a coiled spring 96, one end of which is secured to one of the bearings 93 and the opposite end of which is secured to the rod 9| and on the rod 92 I provide a similar spring 97. The springs 95 and 9! are adapted to resiliently urge the finger portions of the rods downwardly.

Secured to the adjacent faces of each of the yoke members I provide a plate 98 having a cam surface 98 and a latch member Hill which includes an upwardly extending latching boss |8|. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7 the cam plate 88 on the yoke member 45 is adjacent the body portion 43 thereof with the latch member I88 abutting the outer face of the cam member, while the latch plate 98 on the yoke 42 (see Fig. 7).

member I00 on the yoke member 42 is adjacent the body portion thereof with the cam plate 98 abutting the outer face of the latch member.

The finger portion 94 of the rod 9! is, when the yoke member 42 is in a raised position, adapted to be engaged by the cam surface 90 of the cam When the finger 94 is thus engaged by the cam surface it is retained in a raised position and retains the finger portion 04 at the opposite end of the rod in a similarposition wherein it is raised above the path of movement of the latching boss IOI of the latch member I00on the yoke member 40 (see Fig. 6). l

The finger portion 95 of the rod 02 is, when the yoke. member 40 is in a raised position, adapted to be engaged by the cam surface 09 of the cam plate 98 on the yoke 40. When the finger 95 is thus engaged it isretained in a raised position and retains the finger portion 95' at the opposite end of the rod in a raised position wherein it is raised above the pathof movement of the latching boss IOI of the latch member I00 on the yoke member 42 (see Fig. '7). I Thus it will be apparent that when both the yoke members 40 and 42 are in a raised position boththe finger 94" and the finger 95' are not in a position to restrict downward movement of their respective yokemembers and both yoke members are free .to swing downwardly when the latch members 84 are moved out of the path of the boss 80.

To prevent both of the yoke members 40 and 42 from swinging downwardly should both of the latch members 84 be raised simultaneously, one of the cam surfaces 00 is arranged to allow one of the latching fingers to drop before the other.

From the foregoing it will also be apparent that when one of the yoke members has swung downwardly the latch finger associated with the other yoke member will engage its associated latching boss and prevent the otheryoke member from swinging downwardly even though it associated latch 84 is raised.

For retaining the locking bolt 85 in a raised position for a predetermined time I provide a member I02 which is positioned in a recess I03 in the platform 33 and a plunger I04 which is positioned in a recess I05 in the member I02 and in a recess I00 in the'platform 33. Also positioned in the recess I05 of the member I02 I provide a coiled spring I0'I which is adapted to resiliently urge the plunger I04 upward. The

plunger I04 is provided with a notch I08 having a tapered lower shoulder I08.

i I The bolt 84 is provided intermediate its length with a reduced portion I08. Adjacent the bolt 85 and positioned at right angles thereto I provide a bar IIO which is positioned in a recess II2 in the platform 33. The bar I I0 includes a recessed portion H4 in one side thereoffianda tapered portion I I5 at one end which is adapted to match the tapered shoulder I09 of the plunger I04. The bar IIO isso positioned in relation to the bolt 05 that when the recessed portion H4 of the bar is aligned with the bolt 85 the plunger is free to move but the bar H0 is not. .When the bolt 85 moves upward to a position'whereinthe reduced portion I09 thereof aligns with the bar IIO the bar is free to move and if moved prevents movement of the bolt 85.

The end of the recess II2 opposite the tapered portion I I5 of the bar I I0 is shown as closed by a threaded plug I I6 and between the plug andthe adjacent end of the'bar 0 I provide a. coiled spring III which resiliently urges the bar II 0 into engagement with the plunger I04. Normally the tapered end of the bar I I0 is positioned in the notch I08 of the plunger I04 and the recessed portion I I4 of the bar IIO aligns with the bolt 85.

The member I02 is adapted to be engaged by an arm I I0 which is arcuate and which passes through a slot H9 in a post I I9. A removable pin I20 passes through an aperture I2I to slackly pivot the arm. The post I I0 is positioned to the rear of the yoke member and is suitably secured to the platform 33. The arm II8 extends towards the front of the device a predetermined distance and includes a plurality of' the apertures I2 I whereby the pivoted point of the arm may be changed. A fiat spring member I22 secured to the platform 33 engages the arm H8 at the rear of the post I I9 and resiliently urges the forward portion of the arm. upward. The under side of the arm I I8 is adapted to be engaged by a portion I23 of the bar on the yoke member.

When the yoke members are in a raised and locked position each of the bars IIO is in a position wherein the recesses II4 thereof align with their associated bolts.85 and the tapered end of the bars I I0 are positioned in the notches I08 of their associated plungers I04. Each of the members I02 is retained in a raised position by their associated arms I I8 thus compressing the springs When one of the magnets 90 is. momentarily energized and moves its associated bolt upward to release its associated yoke member, the spring I 0? will, when the reduced portion I09 of the bolt 85 aligns with the bar I I0, force the plunger I04 upward which in turn, due to the coacting tapered surfaces I09 and H5, will move the bar IIO rearwardly against the action of the spring H2. As the bar. I I0 is thus moved the recessed portion I I4 thereof moves out of alignment with the bolt 85 thereby locking the bolt 85 in a raised position. The bolt 85 is retained in this locked position until the portion I23 of the bar 80 moves out of engagement with the arm I I8 as it swings downwardly whereupon the member I02 moves downwardly relieving the excess pressure on the spring I01. As the excess pressure on the spring I0? is released the spring III forces the bar IIO forwardly and the plunger I04 downwardly through the medium of the tapered surfaces I08 and I I5. When the bar H0 is again in a full forward position the recessed portion II4 thereof again aligns with the bolt 05 and the spring 00' moves the bolt 85 downwardly to its initial position wherein it will lock. the yoke in a raised position when the yoke returns to its initial raised position.

When one of the yoke members, such as the yoke 40, has been released and has swung downwardly and the magnet associated with the yoke'member 42 is momentarily energized the plunger I04 associated with the yoke 42 will force the bar I I0 rearwardly when the reduced portion I09 of the bolt 85 aligns with the bar and the bar I I0 will retain the bolt 85 in a raised position.

As previously described the yoke member 42 will remain in a raised position even though the bolt 85 is raised, being locked in a raised position by the finger When the yoke 40 returns to its initial raised position and the cam surface 99 thereon rocks the rod 95 and swings the finger'95' above the latching boss IOI the yoke member 42 will swing downwardly whereupon the bolt 05 associated with the yoke 42 will return to itsinitial position when the portion I23 of the bar 80 moves out of engagement with the arm I I8 as previously described.

To return the yoke members 40 and 42 to their initial upright positions when they have swung downwardly I provide on each of the yokes a gripping plunger I25. The gripping plunger I25 is positioned in an aperture I26 in the body 43 and includes an enlarged head I21 which is positioned in a recess I28 in the body 43. Secured to the body 43 coaxial with the recess I28 I provide an electro-magnetic member I29. The head I21 of the plunger I25 is adapted to act as an armature so that when the magnet I29 is energized the head will be attracted to the magnet and raise the plunger I25.

For resiliently urging the gripping plunger I25 downward I provide a coiled spring I30 which is positioned in the recess I28 between the magnet and a portion of the head I21.

The lower end of the gripping plunger I25 ineludes a plurality of prong portions I3I which are adapted to fit between the teeth of the gear 38 or 39 depending on which of these two gears it is associated with. Adjacent the lower end of the gripping plunger I25 I provide a reduced section I32 and adjacent the head I21 I provide a reduced section I33.

For retaining the gripping plunger I25 in a raised position I provide a bar I33 which is positioned in an aperture I34 arranged at right angles to the axis of the plunger I25. The bar I33 ineludes an enlarged head I35 which is positioned in a recess I33 and intermediate the length of the bar I33 I provide a reduced section I31. The end of the recess I35 is shown as closed by a threaded plug I33 and positioned in the recess I36 by a threaded plug I30 and the head I35 of the bar I provide a coiledv spring I39 which resiliently urges the bar I33 forwardly. The bar I33 is so positioned with relation to the gripping plunger I25 that when the plunger I25 is in a raised position the spring I39 urges the bar I33 forwardly so that the body portion of the bar I33 lays in the lower reduced section I32 of the gripping plunger and locks the gripping plunger in a raised position. When the bar I33 is in a forward position the forward end thereof projects outward beyond the face of the yoke body 53. As the yoke member swings downwardly the projecting end of the bar I33 strikes the stop block 53 and is forced rearwardly against the action of the spring I39. When the bar I33 is thus moved rearwardly the reduced section I31 thereof aligns with the gripping plunger I25 whereupon the spring I30 forces the gripping plunger downward.

As the gripping plunger moves downward the prongs I3I on the lower end thereof engage the teeth of either the gear 38 or 39', depending upon which gear it is associated with and as the gear is rotating at this time it carries the yoke upward towards its initial position. When the yoke member reaches its initial upright position the magnet I 29 is momentarily energized whereupon the gripping plunger I25 is raised and the spring I39 again forces the bar I33 forwardly when the reduced section I32 of the plunger aligns with the bar I33 thereby again locking the gripping plunger in a raised position.

For locking the gripping plunger I25 in a lowered position I provide a bar I40 which is arranged at right angles to the axis of both the gripping plunger and the bar I33 and is positioned in an aperture I4I provided in the base 43. The aperture I4I communicates with an enlarged recess I42 provided in-the base "which communie cates with a further enlarged recess I43 also provided in the base 43. Positioned in the recess I43 I provide a plunger I 44 which includes an enlarged head I45. The plunger I44 further includes a coaxial recess I46 and a reduced section I41.

One end of the bar I48 is positioned in the plunger I46 and surrounding the bar I40 adjacent the plunger I46 I provide a coiled spring I48. One end of the spring I48 is secured to the bar I40 while the opposite end of the spring is secured to the plunger I44.

Secured to the base 43 coaxial with and over the recess I43 I provide an electro magnetic member I49. The head I of the plunger I44 is adapted to act as an armature so that when the magnet I49 is energized the head I45 will be attracted towards the magnet I43 and move the plunger I44 towards the magnet. For resiliently urging the plunger I44 to an extended position away from the magnet I 43 I provide a coiled spring I50 which is positioned in the recess I43 between the magnet and a portion of the head I45.

The bar I40 includes a reduced section I5I which normally aligns with the gripping plunger I25 and allows free movement thereof. When the gripping plunger I25 is in a lowered position and the magnet I49 is energized the plunger I44 and the bar I40 move towards the magnet I49 and a portion of the body of the bar I 40 lays in the upper reduced section I32 of the gripping plunger I25 thereby locking the gripping plunger in a lowered position.

For retaining the plunger I 44 in a retracted position I provide a bar I52 which is arranged at right angles to the plunger I44 and is positioned in an aperture I53 provided in the base 43 which communicates with an enlarged recess I54 also provided in the base 43. Intermediate the length of the bar I52 I provide a reduced section I 55 and at one end of the bar I provide an enlarged head I56 which is positioned in the recess I 54. The end of the recess I54 is closed by a threaded plug I51 and positioned in the recess I54 between the plug I51 and the head I58 I provide a coiled spring I53 which resiliently urges the bar I52 rearwardly.

Normally the plunger I44 is in an extended position and the reduced section I55 of the bar I52 aligns therewith and allows free movement of the plunger I44. When the yoke member is swung downward and the magnet I49 moves the plunger I44 to a retracted position the reduced section I41 of the plunger I44 aligns with the bar I52 whereupon the spring I53 forces the bar I 52 rearwardly so that a portion of the body 01 the bar lays in the reduced section I41 of the plunger I44 and locks the plunger I44 in a retracted position. When the bar I52 is moved rearwardly the rear end thereof extends out beyond the rear face of the body 43.

As the yoke member moves upwardly and approaches its initial upright position the rear end of the bar I 52 engages the plunger 18 of the stop member 64' and is held against the action of the 5 ,ring I53. whereupon as the yoke member continues to move, the reduced section I55 01' the bar I52 is moved into alignment with the plunger I44 whereupon the spring I50 moves the plunger I44 and the rod I40 to an. extended position wherein the reduced section I5I of the rod I'40'aligns with the gripping plunger I25 and the gripping plunger is free to move upward when the magnet I29 is energized.

For actuating the signal lights, bmzers and to:

energizing the magnets I29 when the yoke mem-' bers reach their upright position I provide for association with the yoke member 40 a pair of mercury switches I and I6I and for association with the yoke member 42 a similar pair of switches I 62 and I63.

Each pair of switches is mounted on a bracket I64 which includes trunnions I65 pivotally mounted in bearing members I66 on the platform 33.

One of the trunnions I65 of each pair extends outward beyond the face of the adjacent outer bearing member and has secured thereto an operating member I61 which includes a pair of angularly arranged legs I68 and I69. .A coiled spring I10 secured to the leg I68 and anchored to a portion of the outer bearing member is arranged to throwthe operating member I61 over the center in the same direction in which it is moving when one of the legs is moved a predetermined distance.

Y For moving the legs I68 and. I 69 I provide on each of the yoke members a bracket I12 having "upward until the leg I68 passes the center line of the spring I10fwhereupon the spring snaps the leg past the center and swings the leg upward against a stop I14 provided on the outer bearing member I66. As the operating member is thus moved it rocks its associated mercury switches from one angular position to another and as they are so rocked they make contacts which start the motor 31 and change the signal lights controlled thereby from red to green.-

When, the yoke member is traveling upward and approaches its initial position the roller I13 engages the leg I69 and. swings it rearwardly until the leg I68 passes the center line of the spring I10 whereupon the spring snaps the leg I68 past the center of the spring and moves it downwardly and rearwardly into engagement with the roller I13.v The leg I 69 is so arranged that on thisreturn movement of the yoke member the leg I68 is snapped over the center line of the spring at approximately the sametime the yoke member reaches its initial upright position.

As the operating member, I61 is rocked on a return of the yoke the mercury switches associated, therewith are rocked from their last mentioned. angular position to. their initial angular position andwhen thus rocked break, the circuit to themotor 31, change their associated lights from green to red. make contacts which operate the buzzers and contacts which momentarily energize the magnet I29 on the yoke member with which it is associated. v c i V As shown in Fig.24 themercury switches I60 and I62 are'provided intermediate their length with three contacts I15, I16 and I 11which are arranged so that when the switches are in either of their two extreme angular positions the mercury in the switcheswill not make contact between the three contacts but will make momentary contact therebetween as the. switches are being rocked from one position to another. At one endof the switches I60 and I62 I provide a pair of contacts- I18 and I19 and at the opposite end I provide a pairof contacts I and I8l. In the normal inoperative position of the device the contacts I18 and I19 arebridged by the mercury in the switcheswhile the contacts I 80 and I 8| are not so bridged.

At one end of the switches I6I and I63 I providea pair of contacts I82 and I83 which in the normal inoperative position of the device are not bridged by the mercury in the switches.

Located in the control housing I5 I provide a pair of two way knife switches I85 and I86. As shown the switch I85 includes a pair of spaced terminals I81 and I88 having at one side thereof a pair of spaced contacts I89 and I90 and to the opposite side thereof a pair of spaced contacts I9I and I92. Pivotally secured to the terminal I81 I provide 'a contact bar I93 and similarly secured to the terminal I provide a contact bar I94. The contact bars I 93 and I94 are connected for simultaneous movement by an insulated bar I95.

The switch I86 includes a pair of spaced terminals I96 and I91 having to one side thereof a pair of spaced contacts I98 and I99 and to the opposite side a pair of spaced contacts 200 and 28L Pivotally secured to the terminal I96 I provide a contact bar 202 and pivotally connected to the terminal I91 I provide a similar contactbar 203 both of which are connected together for simultaneous movement by an insulated bar 204.

The vehicle operated switch devices l3 and I4 which are shown as causing actuation of the control mechanism 25 are all of similar construction, therefore but one of these will be described in detail. As shown the switch device I 3 includes a raised housing 205 which is positioned adjacent the street curbing a predetermined distance from the street intersections. Positioned in the housing 205 I provide a closed container 206which includes a horizontal conduit 201 having a vertical conduit 208 communicating therewith which communicates with a vertical cylinder 209. Pivotally mounted in the housing 206 above the cylinder I provide a mercury switch 2I0 which includes a trunnion 2I2. Secured to the trunnion 2I2 I provide an arm 2| 3 which is slackly connected as at 2| 4 to a rod 2| 5 which is secured to a piston 2l6 mounted for'vertical movement in the cylinder 209. The switch 2I0 and the arm 2I3 are normally inclined and are adapted to be resiliently retained in this inclined position by a coiled spring 2I1having one end secured to the arm H3 and the opposite end anchored to aportion of the housing 206. At the end of the switch 2I0 which is normally the raised end I provide three spaced contact members 2I8, 2I9 and220. Embedded in the .roadway adjacent the housing 205 I provide a housing 22I, the upper end of which is open and level with the surface of the roadway. Positioned in the housing 22I I provide a casing 222 which is preferably made of a good grade of rubber and is resilient. The top of the casing 222 is preferably arcuate in' cross section and with the high point thereof spaced above the surface of the roadway. The casing 222 includes a longitudinally extending recess 223 in which a closed inner tubing 224 is positioned. The tubing 224 is preferably made of a good grade of rubber and at one end of the tubing I provide a conduit member 225 which communicates with the interior of the tubing and extends out through a plug 226 in the end of the casing. 222 where it is secured to a coupling member 221 by threaded engagement therewith.

The coupling member 221 is positioned in an aperture 228 in the end of the housing 22I adjacent the curb and has connected thereto by threadedengagement one end of a conduit 229. The opposite end of the conduit 229 is suitably secured'to the'container 286 as by threaded en- ZUi gagement therewith and communicates with the interior of the conduit 201 of the container.

The inner tubing 224, the conduit 229 and the container 286 is filled with liquid up to the level indicated at C in Fig. 22. The liquid used is preferably glycerin or some other suitable fluid which does not become solid at ordinary temperatures;

To allow for expansion. and contraction of the fluid in the street switch device I provide a tapered aperture 281 in the conduit 201 and for controlling the passageway through the aperture 201' I provide a needle valve 281.".

In operation when the wheel (or wheels) of a vehicle runs over the casing 222 the top of the casing is pushed downward thereby compressing the inner tubing 224 and forcing the fluid to move out of the tubing and through the conduit 229 to the cylinder 209 and upward in the cylinder. As the fluid moves upward in the cylinder 209 it forces the piston 2I6 upward which throu h the medium of the rod 2I5 and the arm 2-I3'rocks the switch 2IIl to the position indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 23. When the switch 2I0 is in this position the mercury in the switch bridges 7 the contacts 2I8, 2I9 and 220 and starts the actuation of the' control device 26.

After the vehicle has passed over the casing 222 it resumes its normal shape and the fluid displaced from the inner tubing 224 flows back into the tubing thereby lowering the fluid level in the cylinder 209 whereupon the spring 2I1 rocks the switch 2I0 to its initial position thereby unbridging the contacts 2IB. 2I9 and 220.

The pedestrian operated switches 22A and 23-B are all similar in construction so but one of them will be described in detail. I

In Fig. 1 I have shown some of the pedestrian switches 22 and 23 as mounted on the housing I5 of the control device and others as mounted on the standards supporting the traffic regulating devices I2. It will be understood however, that they may be located wherever desired. As shown in Fig. 2 the switch device 22 includes a housing 230 which issecured to the housing I5 and includes a cover 23I which is suitably secured thereto.

Mounted on the housing 230 I provide a block of insulating material 232 having thereon three electrical contact members 233, 234 and 235. The

' contacts 233, 234 and 235 are adapted to be bridged by a contact ring 236 mounted on an insulated member 231 which includes a button portion 238 extending through an aperture in the cover 23I. The contact ring 236 is normally retained out of engagement with the contacts by a coiled spring 239.

When a pedestrian desires to operate the signal devices he presses the button 238 inward against the action of the spring 239 thereby moving the contact ring 236 into engagement with the contacts 233, 234 and 235 wherefor the control device 25 begins to actuate.

As diagrammatically shown in Figs. 24 and 25 one side of the motor 31 is connected by a wire 240 to the positive side of a source of electrical energy which is shown as a battery MI. The other side of the motor 31 is connected by a wire 242 to the contact I63 on each of the mercury switches I6I and I63 of the control device 25. The contact I82 of each of the switches I6I and I63 is connected by a wire 243 to a wire 244 which is connected to the negative side of the battery 24I. Thus it will be apparent that when the switches I6I and I63 are rocked from their normal to their operative position the mercury therein will bridge the contacts I82 and I83 thus completing the circuit from the battery 24I to the motor 31, through the switches and returning to the battery whereupon the motor 31 will operate. One side of the magnets 90 are each connected by a wire 245 to a wire 246 which is in turn connected to the positive wire 249. The opposite side of each of the magnets 96 is connected by awire 241 to the, contact 229 of their associated street switches I3 or I4. The contact 2IB of each of the street switches is connected by a wire 248 to the negative wire 244. Thus it will be apparent that when a street switch I3 or I4 is operated to bridge the contacts M3 and 223 current will flow from the battery 24! to the magnet 98 associated with that particular street switch, through the. magnet,- through the streetswitch and return to the negative side '0! the battery thereby energizing the magnet 90. I

One side of each of the magnets I29 is connected by a wire 249 to the positive wire 246. The opposite side of the magnets I29 are connected by a wire 250 to the contact 2I9 of their associated street switches I3'or I4. Thus it will be apparent that when one of the street switches I3 or I4 is actuated to bridge. the contacts 2I8 and 2I9 current will flow from the battery through the magnet I29 associated with that particular street switch, through the street switch and return to the negative side of the battery thereby energizing the magnet. One side of each of the magnets I49 is connected by a wire 25I to the positive wire 246. The other side of the magnets I49 is connected by a wire 252 to the wire 258 which is connect-ed to'the magnet I29 on the opposite yoke member. Thus when the magnet I29 on the yoke member 40 is energized the magnet I49 on the yoke member 42 will be energized and vice versa. 7

Each of the contacts I of the mercury switches I60 and I62 of the device 25 are connected by a wire 253 to the negative wire 244, each oi! the contacts I80 are connected to the negative wire 244 by a wire-254 and each of the contacts I18 are connected by a wire 255 to the negative wire 244. The contacts I16 of the switches I60 and I62 are connected by awire 256 to one terminal of the buzzers I8 and- 2I and the opposite terminals of the buzzers are connected by a wire 251 which is connected to the positive wire 240. Thus it will be apparent that when the mercury in the switches I60 and I62 bridges the contacts I15 and I16 the buzzers I8 and 2I will operate.

The contacts I11 of each of the mercury switches I60 and I62 are connected by a wire 258 to the wire 250 of their associated magnets I29. Thus it will be apparent that when the mercury in the switches I60 and I62 bridges the contacts I11 and I15 an electrical circuit will be completed from the battery 24I through the magnets I29 thereby energizing the magnets I29.

The contact I19 of the mercury switch I68 is connected by a wire 259 to the contact I90 of the switch I85. The contact IBI of the mercury switch I60 is connected by a wire 26I to the contact I98 of the switch I86. A wire 264 connects the contacts I98 and 200 of the switch I86 to the contact I9I of the switch I85.

The contact I 19 of the mercury switch I62 is connected by a wire 262 to the contact I89 .01 the switch I85 and the mercury switchcontact I81 of the mercury switch I62 is connected by a wire 263 to the contact I99 of the switch I86. A wire 260 connects the contact I 99 with the contact I92 of the 'switc'h I85 and with the contact I of the switch I86. I

' The terminal I81 of the switch I85 is connected by a wire 265 to the redlight's I1 which control the trafiic in the A direction and the terminal I88 is connected by a wire 266 to the red lights 20*which control the trafiic in the B direction.

The terminal I96 of the switch I86 is connected by awire'261 to the green'light's' I9 which control traffic in the B direction and the terminal I91 is connected by a wire 268 to the'green lights I6 which control trafiic in theA direction. All the lights I6, I1, I9 and 20 are connected by a wire 269 to the wire 251.

When the switch I is in a position to connect the terminal'I81 with the contact I9 I and connect the terminal I 88 with the contact I92 and the switch I86'is 'in a position to connect the terminal I96'to' the contact 200 and the terminal I91 to the contact 20I, none of the lights I6, I1, I9 and 20 will be lighted until the device 25 starts to operate. Y

When the switch I85 is in the position wherein the terminal I81 is connected to the contact I89 and the terminal I88 is connected to the contact I90 and the switch I86 is in the position wherein the terminal I96 is connected to the contact I98 and the terminal I91 is connected to the contact I99, all the red lights I1 and 20 will be lighted.

When, all the red lights are lighted and a vehicle approaches the intersection in the A direction and actuates one of the street switches I3 the control device 25 starts to operate. When the street switch I3 is actuated the magnet 90 on the yoke member 42 is energized thereby releasing the yoke whereupon it swings downwardly. As the yoke 42 swings downwardly it rocks the mercury switches I62 and I63 to a position wherein the mercury unbridges the contacts I18 and I19 and bridges the contacts I80, I8I, I82 and I83 thereby starting the motor 31 and disconnecting the circuit to the red lights I1 and completing a circuit to the green lights I6. As the mercury in the switch I62 passes from one end to the other it momentarily bridges the contacts I15 and I16 thereby completing a circuit to all the buzzers I8 and 2|.

When the bar I33 of the yoke 42 strikes the stop block 53 the plunger I25 is released and en-- gages the gear 39 whereupon the gear 39 swings the yoke 42 upward to its initial position. When the yoke 42 reaches its initial upright position it rocks the mercuryswitches I62 and I63 back to their initial positions thereby unbridging the contacts I80, I8I, I82 and I83 thereby stopping the motor 31, breaking the circuit to the green lights I6 and completing the circuit to the red lights I 1. As the mercury of the switch I62 passes from one end to the other it momentarily bridges the contacts I15, I16 and I11. As the contacts I15 and I16 are bridged the buzzers I8 and 2| are actuated and as the contacts I15 and I11 are bridged the magnet I29 is energized whereupon the plunger I25 is moved upward out of engagement with the gear 39 and is retained in a raised position by the bar I33.

If when the yoke 42 is being returned to its initial position by the gear 39 another vehicle actuates one of the street switches I3 the magnet I29 will be momentarily energized thereby moving the plunger I25 out of engagement with the gear 39 whereupon the yoke 42 again swings downward and strikes the stop block 53 and is again swung upward towards its initial position.

' If when the yoke member 42 has been released a vehicle traveling in the B direction operates one'of the street switches I4 the magnet 90 of the yoke member 40 will be energized and will raise the bolt 85 upward and which will be retained in a raised position by the bar IIII. Although the bolt 85 is raised the yoke 40 will not swing downwardly until the yoke member 42 returns to its initial position and rocks the rod 9i to raise the finger 94 thereon out of engagement with the latching boss IOI. At the same time the magnet 90 of the yoke member 40 is en ergized the magnet M9 of the yoke member 42 is energized whereupon the bar M9 locks the plunger I25 in its extended position. Thus even though a vehicle actuates one of the street switches i3 the yoke member 42 will return to its initial position whereupon the rod 9| will be rocked to release the yoke member M). The yoke member 42 will be retained in its initial position by the finger 95 which will be moved out of engagement with its associated latch boss IElI when the yoke member 40 returns to its initial position whereupon the yoke member 42 will again swing downwardly.

The contacts 233 of the pedestrian switches 22 and 23 are connected by wires 210 to the wire 248 of their associated street switches, the contacts 234 are connected by wires 2' to the contacts 2I9 of their associated street switches and the contacts 235 are connected by wires 212 to the contacts 220 of their associated street switches.

When the pedestrian switches 22 or 23 are operated the operation of the control device 25 is the same as that which takes place when the street switches I3 or I4 are operated.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In a traffic regulating system having means to indicate a stop for interfering traffic lanes and to indicate go for interfering traflic lanes one for each lane, a control device for operating said indicators, said control device including a shaft having a pair of spaced gears thereon, means to rotate said shaft, a pair of pivoted members one for each lane, each of said pivoted members being loosely mounted on said shaft and adjacent to a corresponding gear, weighted means to cause one end of said pivoted members to drop when released, means to limit the drop of said members, means to retain each of said pivoted members in a raised position, a pair of switch mechanisms each being adapted to operate said indicators, means on each pivoted member to engage a portion of the corresponding switch to operate the switch when dropped, means actuated by trafiic in each lane for rendering the retaining means for the lane in which trafiic has caused actuation ineffective so that the said pivoted member corresponding to that lane is released whereby a vehicle traveling in one lane operates said control device to release the retaining means of one of said members and to allow said one member to drop thereby actuating its associated switch to set said stop indicator against traflic traveling in the other lane, and means whereby when a member reaches the limit of its drop its associated gear raises it towards its initial position.

2. In a trafiic regulating system having means to indicate stop for interfering trafiic lanes and to indicate go for interfering traffic lanes, a control device for operating said indicators, said control device including a shaft having a pair of pivoted members one for each lane, each of said pivoted members being loosely mounted on said shaft and adjacent to a corresponding gear, weighted means to cause one end of said pivoted members to drop when released, means to limit the drop of the members, means to retain said pivoted members in a raised position, a pair of switch mechanisms each including an operating member mounted adjacent to a corresponding pivoted member, said switch mechanisms being adapted to operate said indicators, means on each pivoted member to engage the operating member of the corresponding switch to operate that switch, means actuated by traffic in each lane for rendering the retaining means for the lane in which trafiic has caused actuation ineiiective so that the said pivoted member corresponding to that lane is released whereby a vehicle traveling in one lane operates said control device to release said retaining means and to allow one of said members to drop thereby actuating its associated switch to set said stop indicator against traflic traveling in the other lane, and means preventing the retaining means of one lane from becoming ineifective while the pivoted member for the other lane is released and until said released member returns to its initial position whereupon said second member may drop thereby actuating its associated switch.

3. In a traffic regulating system having means to indicate stop for interfering traffic lanes and to indicate go for interfering traflic lanes, a control device for operating said indicators, said control device including one means effective normally for maintaining the signals in a stop" position when the control is in one condition of operation and other means normally effective when the control is in a second condition of operation to maintain said signals in a non-operative position, said control device including selecting means operable by a vehicle traveling in one lane to operate said control device to indicate go in the one lane and stop in the other lane and means thereafter operable by a vehicle traveling in said other direction to cause operation of said control device to indicate stop in said one lane and go in said other lane with the control means selecting either condition.

WILLIAM L. JAMES. 

